As the only state representative since the memory of anyone in the Legislative Reference Bureau, as of 1974, to file an impeachment resolution, I think it’s time for another one.

The Ali Ata guilty plea agreement implicates the governor seriously enough to merit the filing of and serious hearings on an impeachment resolution, in my opinion.

Read the Impeachment article in the State Constitution yourself:

IMPEACHMENT

The House of Representatives has the sole power to conduct legislative investigations to determine the existence of cause for impeachment and, by the vote of a majority of the members elected, to impeach Executive and Judicial officers. Impeachments shall be tried by the Senate. When sitting for that purpose, Senators shall be upon oath, or affirmation, to do justice according to law. If the Governor is tried, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court shall preside. No person shall be convicted without the concurrence of two-thirds of the Senators elected. Judgment shall not extend beyond removal from office and disqualification to hold any public office of this State. An impeached officer, whether convicted or acquitted, shall be liable to prosecution, trial, judgment and punishment according to law. (emphasis added)

If selling a job is not sufficient reason for impeachment, what would be?

Read what Ata says happened:

“(Tony) Rezko, carrying the check, ushered the defendant into a conference room where he met with Rezko and Public Official A.

“Rezko placed the envelope containing the defendant’s $25,000 check to Public Official A’s campaign on the conference room table between himself and Public Official A and stated to Public Official A that the defendant had been a good supporter and a team player and that the defendant would be willing to join Public Official A’s administration.

“Public Official A expressed his pleasure and acknowledged that the defendant had been a good supporter and good friend. Public Official A, in defendant’s presence, asked Rezko if he (Rezko) had talked to the defendant about positions in the administration, and Rezko responded that he had.”

Rezko solicited and got another $25,000 from Ata.

“Thereafter, the defendant had a conversation with Public Official A at a large fund-raising event at Navy Pier. During this conversation, Public Official A told defendant that he had been a good supporter, indicated that Public Official A was aware that the defendant had made another substantial donation to Public Official A’s campaign, and told the defendant that Public Official A understood that he was considering taking a position, and Public Official A stated that it had better be a job where the defendant could make some money.”

Don’t tell me that Speaker Mike Madigan doesn’t have access to skillful lawyers.

There is no reason to futz around with recall when state representatives can put some of these Rod Blagojevich sleaze bags under oath and replace the “Official A” of the plea agreement with the governor’s name.

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The photo of the adoration of Rod Blagojevich comes from the Chicago Tribune, March 8, 2007.

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Trivia question: Which one of Governor Dan Walker’s directors did I file an impeachment resolution against? Bonus question: What were the grounds?